The Severity of Reduced Esophageal Distensibility Parallels Eosinophilic Esophagitis Disease Duration.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic inflammation of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) results in progressive, fibrostenotic remodeling of the esophageal wall. This study aimed to demonstrate objective changes in esophageal distensibility relative to duration of EoE disease using a functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP). METHODS: Adult patients with EoE who completed a 16-cm FLIP protocol during endoscopy were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. FLIP analysis focused on distensibility plateau (DP) of the esophageal body. The time from onset of symptoms to time of endoscopy with FLIP was assessed, as was time from symptom onset to EoE diagnosis (ie, diagnostic delay). RESULTS: A total of 171 patients (mean age 38 ± 12 years; 31% female) were included; the median symptom duration was 8 (interquartile range, 3-15) years and diagnostic delay was 4 (interquartile range, 1-12) years. At the time of endoscopy with FLIP, there were 54 patients (39%) in histologic remission (<15 eosinophils per high-power field [eos/hpf]). Symptom duration and diagnostic delay were negatively correlated with DP (rho = -0.326 and -0.309; P values < .001). Abnormal esophageal distensibility (DP ≤17 mm) was more prevalent with increased duration of symptoms (P < .004): 23% at <5 years to 64% at ≥25 years. When stratifying the cohort based on mucosal eosinophil density, patients with ≥15 eos/hpf had significantly lower DP with greater symptom duration (P = .004), while there was not a significant difference among patients with <15 eos/hpf (P = .060). CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal distensibility objectively measured with FLIP was reduced in EoE patients with greater symptom duration and diagnostic delay. This supports that EoE is a progressive, fibrostenotic disease and that FLIP may be a useful tool to monitor disease progression in EoE.

Composite score of physiomechanical esophageal function using functional lumen imaging probe panometry in eosinophilic esophagitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The evaluation provided by functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry includes esophageal distensibility/compliance (mechanics) of the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and esophageal motility (secondary peristalsis). We developed a composite score using these parameters to characterize physiomechanical function in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). METHODS: Two hundred fifteen adult patients with EoE who completed FLIP panometry during sedated endoscopy with esophageal biopsy sampling were included. FLIP metrics of esophageal body Compliance, Contractile response, Distensibility plateau, and maximum EGJ Diameter (C2D2) were scored as 0 for normal versus 1 or 2 for increasing degree of abnormality. Scores were summed to calculate the composite C2D2 score. RESULTS: The C2D2 score had a significant positive correlation with mucosal eosinophil count (ρ = .241) and total Endoscopic EoE Reference Score (ρ = .467). Among 46 patients off treatment at the baseline evaluation, future proton pump inhibitor (PPI) responders (ie, achieved mucosal eosinophil count <15 per high-powered field after PPI treatment) had lower C2D2 scores than PPI nonresponders (median, 2 [interquartile range, 1-3] vs 4 [interquartile range, 2-6], respectively; P = .003). A regression model (that controlled for age, sex, and baseline eosinophil count) showed a C2D2 score ≤3 had an odds ratio of 14.5 (95% confidence interval, 2.6-85) to predict future PPI response. However, total Endoscopic EoE Reference Scores (P = .142) and baseline eosinophil count (P = .480) did not differ between PPI responders and PPI nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS: This composite score of FLIP panometry metrics, the C2D2 score, may facilitate characterizing physiomechanical function in EoE and serve as an objective outcome measure.

A PhysioMechanical Model of Esophageal Function in Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by eosinophilic inflammation, but also heterogeneous presentations involving fibrostenotic esophageal remodeling and esophageal dysmotility. We aimed to define and evaluate phenotypes of EoE using functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) panometry (ie, a PhysioMechanical classification of EoE). METHODS: Patients with EoE who completed FLIP during endoscopy were included in a cross-sectional study. FLIP studies were analyzed for distensibility plateau and compliance of the esophageal body, maximum esophagogastric junction diameter, and contractile response pattern. These FLIP features were then applied to define PhysioMechanical classifications. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients with EoE (mean [standard deviation] age 38 [12] years; 31% female) were included. Seven PhysioMechanical classifications were identified that differed by various clinical characteristics, including symptom duration (P < .001) and Endoscopic EoE Reference Scores (EREFS) (P < .001). In particular, patients with "nonreactive fibrostenosis" (n = 14), had greater symptom duration (median [interquartile range] 20 [10-30] years) and more frequently had EREFS grade 2 or 3 ring scores (14 of 14 patients) than patients with a "normal" PhysioMechanical classification (symptom duration: 3 [1-8] years; 4 of 50 [8%] had EREFS grade 2 or 3 rings). In addition, among patients off treatment at cross-sectional evaluation (n = 46), there was a difference between PhysioMechanical classifications in future proton pump inhibitor (PPI) response rates (ie, achieving peak mucosal eosinophil count <15 per high-powered field after PPI treatment); P = .009. PPI response ranged from 87% (13 of 15 patients) with "isolated esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction" to 11% (1 of 9 patients) with "spastic-reactive fibrostenosis." CONCLUSIONS: Classifying PhysioMechanical esophageal function in EoE based on FLIP panometry features may facilitate defining disease severity and directing management in EoE.

Motorized Spiral Enteroscopy Is Effective in Patients with Prior Abdominal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Motorized Spiral Enteroscopy (MSE) reduces procedure time and increases insertion depth into the small bowel; however, there is scarce evidence on factors affecting MSE efficacy. AIMS: To evaluate diagnostic yield and adverse events of MSE including patients with prior major abdominal surgery. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients undergoing MSE from June 2019 to December 2021. Demographic characteristics, procedure time, depth of maximum insertion (DMI), technical success, diagnostic yield, and adverse events were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-four anterograde (54.4%) and 62 retrograde (45.6%) enteroscopies were performed in 117 patients (64 males, median age 67 years). Fifty patients (42.7%) had prior major abdominal surgery. Technical success was 91.9% for anterograde and 90.3% for retrograde route. Diagnostic yield was 71.6% and 61.3%, respectively. The median DMI was 415 cm (264-585) for anterograde and 120 cm (37-225) for retrograde enteroscopy. In patients with prior major abdominal surgery, MSE showed significantly longer small bowel insertion time (38 vs 29 min, p = 0.004), with similar diagnostic yield (61 vs 71.4%, p = 0.201) and DMI (315 vs 204 cm, p = 0.226). The overall adverse event rate was 10.3% (SAE 1.5%), with no differences related to prior abdominal surgery (p = 0.598). Patients with prior surgeries directly involving the gastrointestinal tract showed lower DMI (189 vs 374 cm, p = 0.019) with equal exploration time (37.5 vs 38 min, p = 0.642) compared to those with other abdominal surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: MSE is effective and safe in patients with major abdominal surgery, although longer procedure times were observed. A lower depth of insertion was detected in patients with gastrointestinal surgery.

Diagnostic yield of adding solid food swallows during high-resolution manometry in esophageal motility disorders.

BACKGROUND: High-resolution manometry (HRM) is a key method to evaluate esophageal motility disorders. Current evaluation is usually performed with single water swallows (SWS) that may not challenge esophageal function or reproduce symptoms. Solid food swallows (SFS) could increase the diagnostic yield for clinically relevant disorders. METHODS: Patients with dysphagia referred for esophageal HRM during a 2-year period in a single center were reviewed retrospectively and included if SFS was performed during HRM. Chicago classification v3.0 was used to define esophageal motility disorders. KEY RESULTS: One hundred and four patients with dysphagia were included (59% women, mean age 57 years). Ineffective esophageal motility was the most frequent motility disorder. Compared to SWS, the diagnosis changed after SFS in 33 patients (31.7%) including a change from normal or minor diagnosis toward major motility disorders in 14 (13.4%). Fifteen subjects (14.4%) shifted from a minor disorder on SWS to normal after SFS. SFS changed the diagnosis in 53.8% of patients with previous surgery versus 29.5% of those without (p = 0.023). Pressurization during rapid drink challenge was more frequent when SFS changed the diagnosis to major motility disorders (69.2% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.033). Twenty-nine percent of patients reported symptoms during SFS, mostly those with diagnostic change to major disorders after SFS (71.4% of patients with changes to major disorders vs. 22.2% of patients without, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION & INFERENCES: Solid food swallows is a simple way to improve the diagnostic yield of HRM in patients with dysphagia and should be added to manometry protocol in daily clinical practice.

Radiation-induced damage in the lower gastrointestinal tract: Clinical presentation, diagnostic tests and treatment options.

Radiation therapy is an important ally when treating malignant lesions in the pelvic area, but it is not exempt of adverse events. There are some measures that can be taken to reduce the possibility of these effects, but some are non-modifiable factors related to previous treatments, location of the lesions or comorbidities. There is a wide variety of clinical presentations that can be of an acute or chronic onset that go from mild to severe forms or that can have a great impact in the quality of life. Medical available therapies as metronidazole, sucralfate, mesalizine or probiotics, can be of aid although some lack of solid evidence of efficacy. Endoscopic treatment can be performed with argon plasma coagulation, bipolar cautery, radiofrequency, laser therapy or dilation. Hyperbaric therapy can be applied in refractory cases and surgery must be reserved to selected patients due to its high morbidity and mortality.

Evaluation of long-term adherence to oesophagogastroduodenoscopy quality indicators. / Evaluación del cumplimiento a largo plazo de los indicadores de calidad en la esofagogastroduodenoscopia.

INTRODUCTION: In a previous study we demonstrated that a simple training programme improved quality indicators of Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) achieving the recommended benchmarks. However, the long-term effect of this intervention is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of OGDs performed 3 years after of having completed a training programme. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative study of 2 cohorts was designed as follows: Group A included OGDs performed in 2016 promptly after a training programme and Group B with OGDs performed from January to March 2019, this group was also divided into 2 subgroups: subgroup B1 of Endoscopists who had participated in the previous training programme and subgroup B2 of Endoscopists who had not. The intra-procedure quality indicators proposed by ASGE-ACG were used. RESULTS: A total of 1236 OGDs were analysed, 600 from Group A and 636 from Group B (439 subgroup B1 and 197 subgroup B2). The number of complete examinations was lower in Group B (566 [94.3%] vs. 551 [86.6%]; p<0.001). A significant decrease was observed in nearly all quality indicators and they did not reach the recommended benchmarks: retroflexion in the stomach (96% vs. 81%; p<0.001); Seattle biopsy protocol (86% vs. 50%; p=0.03), description of the upper GI bleeding lesion (100% vs. 62%; p<0.01), sufficient intestinal biopsy specimens (at least 4) in suspected coeliac disease (92.5% vs. 18%; p<0.001), photo documentation of the lesion (94% vs. 90%; p<0.05). Regarding the overall assessment of the procedure (including correct performance and adequate photo documentation), a significant decrease was also observed (90.5% vs. 62%; p<0.001). There were no differences between subgroups B1 and B2. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement observed in 2016 after a training programme did not prevail after 3 years. In order to keep the quality of OGDs above the recommended benchmarks, it is necessary to implement continuous training programmes.

Comparison of Capsule Endoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Enterography for the Assessment of Small Bowel Lesions in Crohn's Disease.

Background and Aims: Diagnostic yield of Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy (SBCE) for the assessment of small bowel (SB) lesions is higher than radiologic imaging techniques. However, magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) data are scarce and inconclusive. Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) is a new capsule modality. The primary aim of our study was to compare MRE and capsule endoscopy (CE) for the assessment of Crohn's disease (CD). The secondary objectives were to compare the diagnostic accuracy of both CE modalities and changes in Montreal classification after each examination. Methods: We included 47 patients with established (n = 32) or suspected CD (n = 15). MRE was performed first to rule out strictures. In patients with a suspected stricture by MRE, an Agile Patency Capsule was performed. SB disease activity was measured by MaRIA score (MRE) and Lewis Index (CE). Results: SB lesions were found in 36 of47 patients with CE and in 21 of47 patients with MRE (76.6% vs 44.7%, P = 0.001). Jejunal inflammation was detected by CE in 31.9% of patients and by MRE in 6.4% of patients (15/47 vs 3/47; P = 0.03); lesions in ileum were detected in 57.4% of patients by CE, and in 21.3% of patients by MRE (27/ 47 vs 10/ 47; P = 0.04). Finally, in terminal ileum, CE showed lesions in 68.1% (32/47) of patients, whereas MRE detected lesions in 38.3% (18/ 47 patients), (P = 0.001). The original Montreal classification was changed in 53.1% of patients (25/ 47) based on CE findings and in 12.7% of patients (6/47) based on MRE findings (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In our cohort CE was significantly superior to MRE for detecting SB lesions, mainly superficial and proximal lesions. CE is useful for a appropriate patients' classification according to Montreal classification.

Endoscopic ultrasonography can avoid unnecessary laparotomies in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and undetected peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the presence of ascites detected by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent a EUS for preoperative staging of a pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1998 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnosis of PC was confirmed by histopathology or peritoneal fluid cytology. The main outcome of the study was the relationship of ascites at EUS and PC in patients with pancreatic cancer. Secondarily, to evaluate the relationship between this finding and survival as well as the development of PC during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were included: 30 patients with local unresectable tumor or metastatic disease and 106 potentially-resectable candidates based on CT staging. EUS showed ascites in 27 (20%) patients, of whom 8 (29.6%) had PC. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy of ascites by EUS in the detection of PC in this group of patients were 67%, 85%, 30%, 96% and 83%, respectively. Ascites detected by EUS was the only independent predictive factor of PC with an OR of 11 (CI 95%: 3-40). The detection of ascites by EUS was associated with a shorter survival (median survival time 7,3 months; range 0-60 vs 14.2 months; range 0-140) (p = 0.018) and earlier development of PC during follow-up (median 3.2 months, range 1.4-18.1 vs 12.7 months, range 5.4-54.8; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The finding of ascites at EUS in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma is highly associated with PC and a poor outcome.

Quality indicators for esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A comparative study of outcomes after an improvement programme in a tertiary hospital. / Indicadores de calidad en la esofagogastroduodenoscopia: estudio comparativo de los resultados tras un programa de mejora en un hospital terciario.

INTRODUCTION: There is an opportunity for improvement in the recording and measuring of quality indicators. However, no previous experiences exist in our field in terms of their compliance in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). OBJECTIVE: To analyse compliance with EGD quality criteria and evaluate improvement after conducting a training programme. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Comparative study of 2 cohorts: one retrospective (control group) and one prospective (intervention group), before and after a training programme consisting of an information session and the report writing improvement programme. The quality indicators proposed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology were used. RESULTS: A total of 1,200 EGDs were included in a sequential manner (600 in each group). Following the training programme, a significant improvement was observed in the following indicators: documented indication (93 vs. 99.8%; P<0.01), documented full examinations (94.7 vs. 97.3%; P<0.01), correct performance (63.7 vs. 87.9%; P<0.01), appropriate biopsies according to protocols (57.9 vs. 83.8%; P<0.01), photo-documentation of described lesions (84.1 vs. 94.9%; P<0.01), photo-documentation per segment (52.9 vs. 70.5%; P<0.01) and correct overall assessment (56,9 vs. 90.5%; P<0.01). Biopsies for coeliac disease, documented indication, full examination and correct performance, if it went ahead, exceeded the recommended standard. CONCLUSION: A very simple training programme improves EGD quality indicators, with the majority reaching the standards recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology.

Accuracy of Colon Capsule Endoscopy in Detecting Colorectal Polyps in Individuals with Familial Colorectal Cancer: Could We Avoid Colonoscopies?

Background. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) have an increased risk of CRC. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of CCE in the detection of lesions and also two different colon preparations. Methods. A prospective multicenter study was designed to assess CCE diagnostic yield in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals with a family history of CRC. CCE and colonoscopy were performed on the same day by 2 endoscopists who were blinded to the results of the other procedure. Results. Fifty-three participants were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCE for detecting advanced adenomas were 100%, 98%, 67%, and 100%. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCE for the diagnosis of individuals with polyps were 87%, 97%, 93%, and 88%, respectively. CCE identify 100% of individuals with significant or advanced lesions. Overall cleanliness was adequate by 60.7% of them. The PEG-ascorbic boost seems to improve colon cleanliness, with similar colonic transit time. Conclusion. CCE is a promising tool, but it has to be considered as an alternative technique in this population in order to reduce the number of colonoscopies performed. More studies are needed to understand appropriate screening follow-up intervals and optimize the bowel preparation regimen.

Impact of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration on the management of pancreatic cystic lesions.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are well-recognized techniques for the study of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). However, little evidence exists on their impact on clinical care. The aim of this study is to determine how often EUS and EUS-FNA alter the diagnosis and management of patients with PCLs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight physicians expert in pancreatic diseases were asked to report their diagnoses and management recommendations for 49 different PCLs. Clinical information was sequentially disclosed in a stepwise manner - progressively from clinical data plus computed tomography or MRI (level 1), to EUS (level 2) and EUS-FNA results including cytology, carcinoembryonic antigen, and amylase levels (level 3). RESULTS: EUS led to a change in the diagnosis and management in 30% [95% confidence interval (CI): 26-35%] and 19% (95% CI: 16-23%) of cases, respectively, usually to a more intensive approach (14%; 95% CI: 11-18%). EUS-FNA altered the diagnosis and management in an additional 39% (95% CI: 34-44%) and 21% (95% CI: 17-25%) of the evaluations, respectively. EUS-FNA also increased the consensus in the diagnosis among the specialists that ranged from fair with computed tomography/MRI (κ-index=0.32) to substantial with EUS-FNA (κ-index=0.43). CONCLUSION: EUS and EUS-FNA impact the diagnosis and management of patients with PCLs; therefore, both are necessary in the workup of these patients. EUS-FNA markedly improves the agreement between physicians in terms of diagnosis, but not management. This study highlights the need for more research and standardization in the field.

Adverse events of EUS-guided FNA of pancreatic cystic and solid lesions by using the lexicon proposed in an ASGE workshop: a prospective and comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreatic cysts and solid lesions are routinely examined by EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA). The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of adverse events (AEs) of this procedure by using the lexicon recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). METHODS: This was a prospective and comparative study of patients who underwent EUS-FNA in which a 22-gauge needle was used. In the pancreatic cystic lesions group (group I), complete fluid evacuation in a single needle pass was attempted, and ciprofloxacin was given during the procedure and for 3 days after. In the pancreatic solid lesions group (group II), the number of passes was determined by the on-site evaluation of the sample. AEs were defined and graded according to the lexicon recommended by the ASGE. Patients were followed for 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients were included, 73 in group I and 73 in group II. Potential factors influencing the incidence of AEs (ie, access route for FNA) were similar in both groups. AEs occurred in 5 of 146 patients (3.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3%-8%): 4 in group I (5.5%; 95% CI, 1.7%-13.7%) and 1 in group II (1.4%; 95% CI, -0.5% to 8.1%) (P = .03). Severity was mild in 1 of 5 patients (20%) and moderate in 3 of 5 patients (60%). One patient with a solid mass in the head of the pancreas had a duodenal perforation after EUS and died after surgery. All other AEs occurred in the first 48 hours and resolved with medical therapy. There were 3 incidents of transient hypoxia and self-limited abdominal pain in 1 and 2 patients, respectively. No patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA of pancreatic cysts has an AEs rate similar to that of solid pancreatic masses, which is small enough to consider this procedure a safe and effective method for managing patients with both types of lesions. AEs occurred early after EUS-FNA, and patients should be closely followed during the first 2 days after the procedure.

Rebleeding prophylaxis improves outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A multicenter case-control study.

UNLABELLED: Outcome of variceal bleeding (VB) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. We compared outcomes after VB in patients with and without HCC. All patients with HCC and esophageal VB admitted between 2007 and 2010 were included. Follow-up was prolonged until death, transplantation, or June 2011. For each patient with HCC, a patient without HCC matched by age and Child-Pugh class was selected. A total of 292 patients were included, 146 with HCC (Barcelona Classification of Liver Cancer class 0-3 patients, A [in 25], B [in 29], C [in 45], and D [in 41]) and 146 without HCC. No differences were observed regarding previous use of prophylaxis, clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, and initial endoscopic treatment. Five-day failure was similar (25% in HCC versus 18% in non-HCC; P = 0.257). HCC patients had greater 6-week rebleeding rate (16 versus 7%, respectively; P = 0.025) and 6-week mortality (30% versus 15%; P = 0.003). Fewer patients with HCC received secondary prophylaxis after bleeding (77% versus 89%; P = 0.009), and standard combination therapy was used less frequently (58% versus 70%; P = 0.079). Secondary prophylaxis failure was more frequent (50% versus 31%; P = 0.001) and survival significantly shorter in patients with HCC (median survival: 5 months versus greater than 38 months in patients without HCC; P < 0.001). Lack of prophylaxis increased rebleeding and mortality. On multivariate analysis Child-Pugh score, presence of HCC, portal vein thrombosis, and lack of secondary prophylaxis were predictors of death. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HCC and VB have worse prognosis than patients with VB without HCC. Secondary prophylaxis offers survival benefit in HCC patients.

Diagnosing and monitoring cirrhosis: Liver biopsy, hepatic venous pressure gradient and elastography.

In this review we summarize the role of liver biopsy, transient elastography and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with liver cirrhosis. Transient elastography is useful for the non-invasive diagnosis of cirrhosis, but relevant information is lost if it is used as a dichotomous test. The development of clinically significant portal hypertension (defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥ 10 mmHg) is associated with the development of varices and decompensation and it is something that it is worth testing for. Transient elastography has some value for the prediction of clinically significant portal hypertension, but a large proportion of patients have non-diagnostic values. It has also some value for the diagnosis of varices, but non-invasive markers cannot substitute endoscopic screening in cirrhosis. Better dynamic, easily repeatable non-invasive tools are needed to monitor compensated cirrhosis.